Preventive Medicine Can Help Men Stay Healthy

Why did Moses spend 40 years wandering in the desert?

Because he wouldn't ask for directions.

Men tend to seek help less often than women and shun medical and mental health services, says a Harris Interactive online survey. The poll, conducted for the American Academy of Family Physicians, found that 85 percent of men will seek medical attention when they're sick, but first wait several days to see if they get better on their own. Many will skip preventive care.

But guys, hear this: If you get the proper screening tests, take preventive medicine when recommended and practice healthy behaviors, you will be well on your way to a healthier you.

The leading killers of American men are heart disease, cancer, unintentional injuries, stroke, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, diabetes, influenza and pneumonia, suicide, kidney disease and Alzheimer's - in that order. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says men are at a higher risk of death than are women in most of these categories.

Develop a partnership with your health care provider and decide what screenings, diagnostic tests and immunizations are right for you. The timing and frequency is based on your risk factors for developing a condition or disease.

Exercising regularly, maintaining a healthy diet, plus avoiding tobacco, drugs and excessive alcohol are preventive practices that you should begin now.

Preventive screenings you need:

•Monitor obesity by calculating body mass index: www.nhlbisupport.com/bmi/.

•Check blood pressure at least every two years, starting at age 18.

•Discuss cholesterol with your doctor, starting at age 20.

•Diabetes testing should start at age 45 and be done every three years.

•Begin monitoring colorectal health at age 50.

•Begin monthly testicular self-exams at age 18.

•Explore prostate-specific antigen (PSA) tests beginning at age 40.

•Get a hearing test at age 18, then every 10 years.

•Eye exams should begin every two to four years after age 40; every one to two years after age 65.

•Begin monthly mole self-exams at age 20 and every three years with a doctor.

•Discuss immunizations with your doctor including influenza, pneumococcal, and tetanus-diphtheria booster.

•Discuss sexually transmitted diseases before becoming sexually active.

•Dental screenings should be conducted one to two times per year.

•Discuss mental health screenings with your doctor, beginning at age 18.

Albany Times Union